What is DPC?

Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model of healthcare that puts patients first by getting rid of the red tape by which most other traditional practices are restricted. It’s kind of like a healthcare Coop- there is a low monthly membership fee (see pricing) that covers all office visits and allows for steeply discounted labs, meds, and imaging, and direct access to your doctor.

Do you accept insurance?

No. Happily, no. Although we have all been trained to think that healthcare without insurance is obscenely expensive, that is not the case here. Perhaps the most critical distinction in this model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. While the tender mercies of an insurance company might apply to the fixing of a damaged fender on your automobile, we see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s care.

We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions that inevitably follow with third-party payors. Furthermore, this direct fee-for-services arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications- think a fraction of the cost on these services. For a thyroid test (TSH with reflex T4), $5.50 instead of $150. For a CBC (complete blood count), $2.83 instead of $107. For an X-ray, $65 instead of $300-900 depending on if you to outpatient or ER PLUS radiologist fees… and billed immediately instead of 6 months later. For Echocardiograms, $200 instead of $1,600-$1,800… the list goes on, and there’s no baited breath waiting for if your insurance thought the test you and your doctor decided on should be covered. The tests are just affordable to begin with.

Are there any exceptions to the idea of paying a monthly subscription fee to have access to your services as a doctor? Can I just pay for one visit?

No as far as primary care, yes as far as Osteopathic Manipulation. There are no exceptions to this as far as primary care services are concerned like prescribing medications, ordering labs and imaging, diagnosing and treating medical problems, etc.

There is one service that I do in the “fee for service” model that people are used to, in which you bill for a specific service. That is the procedure of Osteopathic Manipulation, where the only thing that is addressed is the procedure of Osteopathic Manipulation without managing medications, referrals, or other primary care services. This is my effort to allow access to this treatment that I know for some is the only thing that works for them in case they are unable to be a part of the subscription service.  Although there are many, many other Osteopathic doctors, there are only a few other physicians in the state that have my level of training and expertise in the Osteopathic Manipulation scope of practice, so I am making an exception for this service.

As a patient at KlarCare, will I still need health insurance?

Yes- but more like insurance for your car, where if a disaster happens it is covered rather than paying high premiums every month to cover things like oil changes or an alignment that are obscenely overpriced. I recommend our patients continue a major medical plan with a high deductible and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. I am happy to refer you to insurance representatives who can help customize an insurance plan to your specific needs.

If I have Medicare, can I still join KlarCare?

Yes. You need only sign a one-time waiver declaring that neither you nor your doctor (me) will directly bill Medicare for services. Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications, or hospitalizations prescribed by the office, and you can visit any doctor who does bill Medicare and they will accept/use insurance.

Where will you be located?

I purchased an office in downtown Portage at 108 E Cook Street. It was originally built as a doctor’s office and I am excited to start using it.

However, due to issues with Aspirus engaging me in a legal battle, I will be in Wautoma until that gets resolved. The longest they can keep me on the hook is until January 1, 2024. Address of Wautoma location is W7841 State Rd. 21/73. Phone Number is (608) 580-5551.